How to Use Acupuncture to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

By eHow Health Editor

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Multiple Sclerosis is an incurable autoimmune disease effecting the central nervous system. Though there are several disease modifying therapies available through the medical field, many patients also explore complementary and alternative medicinal treatments such as acupuncture. Acupuncture is one of many traditional Chinese medicinal treatments which seek to correct imbalances in the flow of energy within a patient's body.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Neurologist
Licensed Acupuncturist

Step1

Understand that though acupuncture is a fairly well tolerated procedure in the majority of patients, you should be aware of any risks associated with its administration. People who use blood-thinning medicines should discuss using acupuncture to treat MS symptoms with their physicians before undergoing treatment.

Step2

Seek out a qualified and well-trained acupuncturist. The majority of states do have a licensing process and many have their own professional acupuncture organizations which may provide you with more information regarding acupuncturists in your area.

Step3

Be prepared to participate in treatments at least once a week, if not more frequently. Most patients who undergo acupuncture report a positive response following at least 8 to 10 consecutive sessions.

Step4

Budget for acupuncture treatment as many health insurance providers will not provide coverage for these sessions. The average cost of a single session varies by practitioner.

Step5

Know that you may have to commit to a longer treatment by acupuncture depending on the severity of your symptoms and any other underlying causes.

Step6

Use other forms of traditional Chinese medicine in conjunction with your acupuncture treatment to treat the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis with caution. Studies have shown that many kinds of herbal treatments work to stimulate the immune system, which may cause exacerbations or further demyelination in many patients with MS.

Step7

Use acupuncture only in conjunction with your disease-modifying drug therapy as directed by your neurologist. Remember that there is no current evidence to suggest that acupuncture can effect the course of MS, decrease the frequency of exacerbations or stop the progression of disability in MS patients.

Tips & Warnings

Discuss your decision to seek alternative treatment with your neurologist before you begin. She may be able to suggest a practitioner or even provide you with a referral which may offset costs through your insurance carrier.